Jehovah's Witness teen's dad to sue

March 10, 2006

CALGARY, Alberta — A grieving father says he will continue his fight against Jehovah's Witnesses and their prohibition of blood transfusions after a court decision partially cleared the way for a wrongful death suit.

Lawrence Hughes filed the 2004 claim as executor of the estate of his daughter, Bethany, who died from acute leukemia in 2002 at age 17 after repeatedly refusing conventional treatment because of the faith's teaching.

A judge decided Hughes cannot proceed with claims against the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society because the court cannot arbitrate religious dogma. But Hughes can continue suing lawyers Shane Heath Brady and David Miles Gnam, Witnesses who represented Bethany, her mother, Arliss, and the Watch Tower.

The judge said the lawyers were not in a position to advise Bethany objectively, so that she could make a free and informed decision.